The Make Item (Manufactured Item)
A Make Item is a core component within a manufacturing resource planning (MRP) system like StartProto. It represents a part or component that is produced internally rather than purchased.
The definition of a Make Item, along with its associated Routing, establishes the complete set of materials and work steps (operations) required to produce the part.
Key features of a make item in StartProto:
Bill of Materials (BOM): A detailed list of all the raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies needed to manufacture the item.
Routings: Instructions and schedules for the production process, including the necessary steps and resources.
Operations: Specific operations assigned to different work centers or production task to complete the manufacturing of the item.
Inventory Management: Tracking of raw materials and components in stock, and the finished goods produced.
Costing: Calculation of the production cost, including materials, labor, and overhead.
Quality Control: Processes and checks to ensure the final product meets the required specifications and standards.
Video overview of StartProto Make Items
1. Item Identification and State
Every Make Item is defined by several key attributes and properties:
Field | Description | Note |
Name | A unique, descriptive label for the item. | This field is forced to be unique within the system. |
SKU | Stock Keeping Unit. A code used for inventory tracking. | This field is not forced to be unique. |
Default Storage Location | The designated area where the finished item is stored. | More relevant for smaller Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). |
Item Maturity States
The Maturity State dictates the item's current status in the production lifecycle, influencing how it's handled on the shop floor:
Draft: The initial state for a new item or a conceptual design. It is used for costing, planning, or when first "jockeying down some ideas."
First Article (or First Run): Indicates that the item is being made for the first time. This status requires extra attention on the shop floor to ensure process validation.
Production: The status for a mature item whose manufacturing process is proven and should be continued as the standard method.
Tooling Designation
A toggle can mark an item as Tooling (e.g., soft jaws, fixture plates).
If marked as Tooling, it changes how the item is consumed in other routings. It will continue to live in inventory, and the system will not trigger a remake even if subsequent routings require it.
The Routing: Operations and Costing
The Routing is the step-by-step manufacturing plan for the Make Item. It defines the sequence of operations, the resources consumed, and the associated costs and times.
1. Operations (Work Steps)
An item's production is broken down into one or more operations. Each operation specifies the work to be done and the machine/process required.
Field | Description |
Operation Name | A descriptive title (e.g., "Saw Cut to 36 in sticks," "Main Lathe Op"). |
Process | The type of machine or work center used (e.g., Saw, Lathe, Live Tooling/Turning). |
Input Items | The Bill of Materials (BOM) for the operation—the raw material or semi-finished items consumed (e.g., 2-inch OD Bar Stock). The quantity consumed is specified (e.g., 36 inches). |
Output Items | The item produced by this step. For intermediate steps, this might be a semi-finished product (e.g., "one stick that's ready for live tooling"). |
Notes & Documentation | Internal instructions, specifications (e.g., "Cut to 36-inch bars, keep ends clean"), or associated files (e.g., CAM files, engineering drawings/STL files). |
2. Time and Cost Parameters
Each operation contributes to the total cost and lead time of the Make Item through the following parameters:
Setup Time: The time required to prepare the machine or process for the production run (e.g., setting up the auto saw, changing tooling on the lathe).
Run Time: The time required to complete the operation on a per-part basis.
Hourly Rate: The cost rate of the machine or work center group (e.g., $30/hour for a standard Saw, $150/hour for a Live Tooling Lathe). These rates can often be set as defaults but can be overridden per operation.